HUNDREDS of Liverpool council staff are being forced to cross the road every time they want to spend a penny.

The toilets in the city's Municipal Buildings have been out of order since the weekend. And staff have also been unable to get any fresh water from the taps.

As a result, they have had to cross the road and use the facilities in New Oxford House.

Some staff have also used facilities at nearby Millennium House.

The problems started on Saturday when a fresh water pipe leading into the Municipal Buildings in Dale Street fractured.

It is not known what caused the fracture to the pipe which is located in the building's basement.

A spokesman for Liverpool council said: "We can confirm that a pipe in the basement of the Municipal Buildings fractured.

"We were without water throughout Tuesday but alternative facilities were made available to all city council staff.

"We were able to use the facilities in Oxford House which is just across the road and is a council-owned building.

"We are hopeful the problem will be rectified by Wednesday.

"Although there was no fresh water available through the taps many council departments do have their own water filter machines."

The public also has access to the Municipal Buildings where one of the council's One Stop Shops is located. Staff are on hand to answer and resolve any queries which people have about council services.